Final answer:
Operant conditioning, a form of learning examined by B. F. Skinner, entails modifying behavior through reinforcement or punishment based on the consequences of that behavior. It is used in various applications like animal training and organizational behavior management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific study of how behaviors are strengthened or weakened according to their consequences is known as operant conditioning, which is rooted in the work of B. F. Skinner. This learning process involves an individual receiving a consequence after displaying certain behavior.
Operant conditioning can be seen in various settings such as training animals and shaping employee behaviour through paychecks as motivation for work. Variability in reinforcement schedules can impact how quickly and robustly the conditioning occurs. This understanding is pivotal in fields such as education, animal training, and behavior modification.